President Ruto commends Kenyan police in Haiti, promises more resources
National
By
David Njaaga
| Sep 22, 2024
President William Ruto has praised Kenyan police officers deployed in Haiti, saying their efforts had improved security despite limited resources.
He spoke on Saturday, September 21, during a visit to the officers in Port-au-Prince, before attending the United Nations General Assembly.
The first contingent of Kenyan police arrived in the Haitian capital in June to launch a long-awaited peacekeeping mission in the Caribbean country that has been ravaged by gang violence.
The officers are part of an international force sent to quell violence and restore democratic rule, even as deadly protests back in Kenya prompted doubts about the mission's success.
Ruto commended the officers for their professionalism and noted the positive impact of their work on Haiti's security.
"Your exemplary service has improved the country's security, critical infrastructure is safer and abductions have decreased," he said.
He acknowledged initial scepticism surrounding the mission but noted that the officers' success had changed opinions.
"Your deployment was met with scepticism, but your competence has earned you praise both nationally and internationally," Ruto said, adding that the mission now enjoys strong support.
Despite operating with minimal equipment, the president assured the officers that more resources would be made available to enhance their performance.
"You have achieved impressive success with minimal equipment. Without a doubt, you will do even better with more resources," he said.
The Kenyan-led multinational security mission aims to restore stability in Haiti, which has faced ongoing political unrest and security challenges.
Ruto also noted that the mission strengthens Kenya's global profile by fulfilling humanitarian obligations.